Junk Ensemble: Dolores

Presented in association with Project Arts Centre

photo credit Luca Truffarelli

7 – 15 November 2024, The Chocolate Factory, Dublin Tickets

Dates & Time:

Preview: 7 Nov: 6pm and 8.30pm

Opening: 8 Nov: 7pm

Performances: 9 & 10 Nov: 4pm and 7pm; 12 Nov: 7pm; 13 Nov: 6pm and 8:30pm; 14 Nov: 7pm; 15 Nov: 6pm and 8:30pm

*The 4pm performance on 9 November will be ISL-interpreted by Elzbieta Cichocka.

DOLORES gives voice to a once-silenced girl in this immersive feminist reimagining of Lolita. 

Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s poetic and disturbing novel Lolita, DOLORES reveals three facets of the character: the neglected and traumatised orphan, the candy-fed girl filled with American hopes and dreams, and the Dolores who lived - a woman full of fire and retribution. Through darkly cinematic imagery, music, text and movement, DOLORES exposes the unsettling abuse and tragedy of a young girl.  

The acclaimed cast of performers and musicians - including actors Derbhle Crotty and Mikel Murfi - lead the audience through intricately designed rooms visited in the novel: a 1950’s car, a girl’s cluttered bedroom, a cheap motel in mid-America, and a lonely highway road.

First performed in 2018 at Dublin Dance Festival

"Dolores combines visual eloquence with the gut-punch of a victim impact statement" The Irish Times ★★★★

"There is simply no resisting “Dolores’” power. Provocative and unapologetically brilliant, “Dolores” offers a uniquely thrilling experience...One worth several revisits to make sure you don’t miss a thing." The Arts Review ★★★★★

“A brilliant interference of Nabokov’s best-known work…compelling and mesmerising…the show is a string of highlights.” Irish Independent

“Rivetingly dark: Junk Ensemble’s dance-theatre reimagining of Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita is thrilling and revelatory." Exeunt Magazine

Created and presented with funding from The Arts Grant Fund/Arts Council Ireland, with support from Project Arts Centre.

Concept and Direction: Jessica Kennedy, Megan Kennedy

Choreography: Jessica Kennedy, Megan Kennedy in collaboration with the performers

Performers: Derbhle Crotty, Deirdre Griffin, Julie Koenig, Mikel Murfi

Musicians: Berginald Rash, Daniel Luke

Scenography: Valerie Reid

Dramaturgy/Collaborator: Jo Timmins

Music: Denis Clohessy

Lighting: Sarah Jane Shiels

Re-lighter: Iris Liange

Costumes: Sarah Foley

Set building: Ger Clancy

Producer: Gwen Van Spÿk

Associate Producer: Ciara Lynch